Almost 85% of home buyers and sellers say that the Internet was their most important source of information during the home buying process, according to the National Association of Realtors. This is because people conduct research online more than on TV or any other medium.
Importance of Client Reviews
As a real estate agent, you probably know how important it is to get feedback from your clients after they use your services. For some companies, this may be a questionnaire, for others a simple comment card, and for some businesses like yours, it’s probably your website. Either way, you want to ensure that there is some form of feedback left by those who rely on your services.
Having client reviews and testimonials can become one of the most powerful ways to attract new business and build your brand. They can also be very helpful when you are going through the process of preparing for a listing presentation or a new listing appointment.
It is important to note that certain components lead to a successful client review/testimonial on your website: it has to be on your website, easy to find, visually appealing, relevant, and very trustworthy. There’s no point in having a testimonial from someone who doesn’t exist on your site or because they felt pressured into leaving one. If any of these points apply, then their testimonial will not be as effective as you would like it to be. Also, keep in mind that too many testimonials may not be a good thing.
So, as a real estate agent, you’re probably wondering how to get clients to leave reviews and testimonials. After all, they are very important for your company’s improvements. Luckily, some steps can be taken to obtain them.
Make It Easy
Make sure you have an easy way for clients to provide a testimonial. An easily accessible button on your website is great, but you can also send them a questionnaire form to complete after they have used your services. You can also send links to your Facebook page or Google Business listing. Once your client provides a review on one (or both) of these sites, you can add the testimonial to your website’s testimonial section.
Timing Is Everything
Make sure that you ask your client for a review or their testimonial at the exact time that they are most happy with their experience with you. It could be after closing, after settlement, or even just before they leave if their schedule is flexible. Be mindful of your clients’ schedules right after closing. Requesting a testimonial on moving day might not be a good idea. Ask for the review from a seller of an empty house right after closing, but maybe wait a week before asking a buyer who is moving into a new home.
Don’t Rush or Nag
It’s important that, as a real estate agent, you don’t push clients into leaving reviews for your website; after all, you want them to be completely okay with it. After all, if they are not happy with the service they received from you, why would they leave a positive review? The best approach is to mention it casually at the end of an email or during a conversation on the phone.
Make Sure They Are Personalized
Testimonials should be about the client’s personal experience and opinion instead of just some generic statement that could easily apply to anyone who has ever interacted with your business. This way, your testimonials will have more value for readers that stumble upon them while researching potential home sellers or buyers.
Don’t Forget About Follow Up
You must follow up with the client after they have left their testimonial or review. Thanking them for taking the time to leave you a glowing review will be the cherry on top of their excellent experience. And be sure to respond to the review on public review sites such as Google Business or Zillow.
Social Proof
Social proof is essential in the real estate business. Make sure you include information about how many homes your company has sold, awards won, etc. This adds social proof because it shows potential sellers/buyers that you are experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy when working on behalf of your client’s best interests.
Use an Automated Review System
Finally, as your business grows, you might consider that whatever testimonial review system you use should be automated. This way, you will have more time to focus on improving your business and fulfilling the real estate experience of your current clients. Just be sure to include a personal touch.
Real estate agents are looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd. They want to separate themselves from their competitors, and one of the best ways is through positive feedback. Agents who take the time to ask previous clients for reviews will gain an edge over their competitors by increasing their online presence and search engine rankings.
About the Author
Scott Russell is the owner and broker-in-charge of Freestone Properties, an Asheville real estate company.
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